Snail mucin, or snail secretion filtrate, is a popular skin care ingredient with several potential benefits. It can help hydrate the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and speed up wound healing.

Snail mucin is a natural secretion that snails produce. It is a popular ingredient in Korean skin care, often found in products like creams, masks, and serums.

Research shows snail mucin offers several benefits, such as keeping skin hydrated, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and promoting wound healing.

As with most skin care ingredients, you need to apply snail mucin consistently, often daily, and for several weeks, before you begin to notice any major changes in your skin.

Learn more about the potential benefits of snail mucin for your skin health.

Snail mucin is most notable for its ability to provide hydration. It consists of several compounds, such as hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and glycoproteins, which help draw water into the skin.

This can help the skin retain more moisture and increase elasticity and firmness.

Consistent use of snail mucin may help reduce dullness and promote a smoother and glowing complexion, which people commonly call glass skin.

Snail mucin works to keep the skin hydrated, which may help reduce dryness caused by eczema.

Eczema can often result in intense itching, which may cause the skin to become inflamed and even bleed if you scratch the area. This can often allow bacteria to enter the skin, increasing the chance of an infection.

A 2021 study found that snail mucin has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help soothe inflamed skin.

The same study also noted that the mucin exhibits antimicrobial activity, which can help prevent or stop the growth of bacteria and treat infections.

Research has found that the mucus created by snails may be a safe and effective way to heal wounds.

A 2023 study found that mucin, particularly from the brown garden snail, contains compounds such as allantoin and glycolic acid, which can help restore tissue and promote new cell growth.

This may be particularly beneficial for treating wounds caused by burns, as snail mucin can help repair damaged skin and prevent bacteria from entering the wound while it heals.

It’s important to note most studies on snail mucin and wound healing have involved animals. More recent and high quality research is necessary to better understand the effects of snail mucin on human skin.

Snail mucin may help reduce the changes to your skin caused by aging, such as crow’s feet and fine lines. These are natural signs of aging and do not need “treatment,” but some people may want to reduce the appearance of aging.

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can reduce elasticity and firmness in the skin. This can lead to visual signs of aging, such as loose and sagging skin and wrinkles.

A 2024 research review found that snail mucin may increase collagen production. This can strengthen skin and slow down signs of aging, like wrinkles and sagging.

Snail mucin is typically safe to use and rarely causes side effects. However, it may cause irritation if you mix it with some skin care products.

It may be helpful to apply snail mucin to a small area of your skin as a test and slowly introduce it if you notice no interactions. This can also help you check that it’s compatible with your other skin care products.

As with most skin care products, snail mucin may result in an allergic reaction in some people. Signs of an allergic reaction from cosmetics include:

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can be life threatening if not treated promptly. If you think you or someone else are experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, seek immediate medical attention.

Learn more about recognizing the signs of anaphylaxis.

Snail mucin has several benefits for the skin, such as providing hydration, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and speeding up wound healing.

Snail mucin may help reduce the changes to your skin caused by aging by slowing the development of physical signs such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Snail mucin, also known as snail secretion filtrate, is a popular ingredient in Korean skin care and is often in products like creams, masks, and serums.

Research shows snail mucin may offer several benefits, such as keeping skin hydrated, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promoting wound healing.

As with most skin care ingredients, you’ll need to apply snail mucin consistently before beginning to notice any major changes to your skin.